Diceratidae

/daɪˌsɛrəˈtɪdi/ noun

Definition

A family of extinct bivalve mollusks that includes creatures with two horn-like shell projections, belonging to the order Hippuritida.

Etymology

From the genus 'Diceras' + the taxonomic family suffix '-idae.' This scientific classification emerged in 19th-century paleontology to group similar two-horned bivalve fossils together.

Kelly Says

The Diceratidae family thrived during the Cretaceous period but vanished in the mass extinction 66 million years ago, yet their shells remained so sturdy they became rock-hard fossils that survive today.

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